BAE Systems launches Royal Navy’s 5th Astute-class sub April 21, 2021, by Naida Hakirevic Anson, the fifth of seven Astute-class attack submarines being built for the Royal Navy, has been launched at BAE Systems’ site in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria. The 7,400-tonne nuclear-powered submarine, officially named at a ceremony in December, emerged from the Devonshire Dock Hall and entered the water for the first time on 20 April 2021. Photo: BAE Systems Anson will now begin the next phase of its test and commissioning programme, before leaving Barrow for sea trials with the Royal Navy next year. “The launch marks an important milestone in the Astute programme and seeing Anson enter the water at such an advanced state is a tangible demonstration of everyone’s hard work over the years. Designing and building nuclear-powered submarines is a national endeavour and days like this bring a huge sense of pride,”